Similarities and Differences Between Architects and Engineers

The practices of architecture and engineering have long been intertwined. Whether practicing as an architect or engineer, it is worth examining the roles each plays within today's construction industry.

For most of human history, the role of the architect and engineer was considered as one and the same, with master builders involved in all aspects of design and construction. During the Renaissance, when Brunelleschi conceived of his great dome for the Florence Cathedral, he was solving both an architectural and engineering challenge, and his resulting fame and admiration for this and other projects was due to his skills in both areas. Generally speaking, it was not until the late 1700s and early 1800s that a significant distinction was made between the disciplines of architecture and engineering. This came about through the conception of engineering as an applied science, incorporating advances in the fields of physics and mathematics. The historical development of industrialization and the increased need for specialization of knowledge also contributed to the separation of the disciplines. With the creation of professional societies in the 1800s, which aimed to secure professional standards and ensure the adequate level of expertise for practitioners, the distinctions became further solidified. With the ever-increasing complexities of building projects through the 20^th and 21^st centuries, the need for professionals with specialized knowledge in the areas of design and construction became essential for the realization of these projects.

First and foremost, in examining the similarities and differences between engineers and architects, the roles which they play in relation to the client and full design team should be considered. Limiting ourselves to building projects (as opposed to particular types of infrastructure projects), it is typically the architect who has a direct contractual relationship with the client. The engineers engaged on the project would be subconsultants to the architect. There are exceptions to this, such as geotechnical engineers who contract directly with the client, but this is the most typical contractual arrangement. This set of contractual relationships impacts the responsibilities and role each party has within the design team. The architect takes on the position of team leader, with the responsibility of leading discipline coordination efforts, being the primary team contact with the client, organizing team meetings, and managing the efforts of the overall design team to meet the client's goals and provide the project deliverables on budget and on schedule.

In this context, the engineers contribute to the design work by utilizing their individual disciplines to meet the needs of the project, with the architect or client providing them with information pertaining to the overall design goals and constraints. For example, in initial discussions between the client and architect, it may be determined that the client desires a building of maximum square footage on a particular lot. The architect must then determine what is feasible in terms of building size, height and stories based on code and zoning requirements. When the basic parameters of the project are determined, the structural engineer on the project can then determine what type of structural approach is best suited to the project and, as the design progresses, size individual structural members and determine structural details necessary for the project.

This points to another general point in the difference between the work of architects and engineers. It is generally the task of the architect to work with the client on finalizing the program of the building and determining the appropriate layout of spaces within a building. This work is often an iterative process in working with the client to determine what floor plan options are most desirable for the client's project. Once the preliminary floor plans are determined, and the functions of the various spaces within the building are determined, the engineers on the project can begin designing the building systems. For example, the layout of structural columns will need to be such that they are not positioned within the center of a room. Likewise, a mechanical engineer can begin to determine what systems might be most appropriate for the particular types of functions and room sizes within the building.

The work of engineers is in some sense more specialized, with electrical engineers, plumbing engineers, mechanical engineers, and structural engineers having input on the project limited to the work of their areas of specialization. However, often an engineer can provide insight on the building project which may impact the architectural layout or even the form of a building. Having discussions with the full project team early in the design project can, in fact, be highly beneficial for the end product of the design process, particularly when it is essential to meet design goals for sustainability and energy efficiency.

Both engineers and architects are involved with problem-solving. The types of problems which they solve differ, with engineers often engaged with system selection and sizing and architects involved with a broader array of potential problem types, ranging from the logical arrangement of spaces to the selection of finishes to the aesthetic appearance of a facade. The types of problems the professionals face may lead one to believe that the work of engineers is purely technical, often involving calculations, while the work of architects is creative and non-technical. This, however, is not entirely accurate, as engineers can work creatively to develop elegant solutions to design issues, particularly when they are able to collaborate productively with other design professionals early in the design process. Similarly, although architects must often be creative and have a focus on aesthetics and user experience, they must also have a thorough understanding of the technical aspects of construction. This is particularly the case in the development of details for building envelope assemblies, which is typically the responsibility of the architect. An aspect common to both architects and engineers is the need to understand building materials and products and how to utilize them successfully within a building project.

Both architects and engineers must also understand code requirements and ensure that their designs protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public. While the codes which govern the particular aspects of each's work may differ, a general knowledge of the code requirements for other disciplines would benefit each professional, as this allows for a greater level of informed collaboration. Each discipline is responsible for maintaining the integrity of their work on the project, having an ethical responsibility to the users of a building and the public more generally. In this regard, the high professional standards to which they are held is common to both professions, as is the general esteem to which the professions are held in the eyes of the public.

The success of a building project, as well as the success of the architectural and engineering firms which produce their designs, is dependent on the ability of the full design team, which includes both architects and engineers, to work well together. Understanding the similarities and differences between the architectural and engineering professions, as well as the particular scope of each's work, can only aid in the success of a project and is in fact essential for productive collaboration. This is all the more true as building projects become more and more complex (having to satisfy a myriad of project goals and constraints). With advancements in technology, today's design professional is expected by clients to be ever-more productive in their work, but by the same token, these advances (both in design software and in material product advancements) require that professional knowledge is kept up to speed. To meet these demands, engineers and architects must continually learn how to work well together in this changing environment, and a thorough understanding of each's role within a design team and the potential of each design team member is an essential step.

About the Author: Adam Castelli

Adam Castelli is a licensed architect and engineer currently practicing in the Pittsburgh area. He holds a master's degree in architecture from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and a bachelor's degree in civil engineering from Villanova University.